MCU-based microstepper motor reference design

14th November 2013

Zilog Inc

Nat Bowers

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Datasheet Whitepaper

Zilog has announced a new Microstepper Motor Control Reference Design aimed at accelerating time-to-market for motor control applications. A complete and easy-to-use platform, Zilog’s Z8F1680 MCU-based Reference Design highlights the key features of the Z8F1680 microcontroller, which is optimized for microstepper motor control.

The reference design uses the MCU’s onboard analog comparators for one-shot feedback current limiting to drive a unipolar stepper motor. The Z8F1680's multichannel timer is also used as a microstepper sine/cosine current generator.

Designed to be operated either by battery or an external power supply of 5V DC to 12V DC, the Microstepper Motor Reference Design features speed and directional control of the motor, one-step advancing of the motor, and a current generator for each coil.

Typical end applications for the reference design include precision surgical tools, motorized position cameras, motorized solar panel tracking, automation and robotics, HVAC coolant control, valve control for a fluid control system, motorized curtains or window cover controls, laser or optical precision positioning equipment, linear actuators and stages, motorized mirror mounts, flatbed/image scanners, computer printers and plotters.

Steve Darrough, Zilog’s VP of Marketing, comments: “This microstepping technique produces a much smoother rotation than that of a full step drive, plus it provides greater resolution and freedom from resonance problems because it involves more steps per revolution.”

Zilog’s Microstepper Motor Control Reference Design featuring the Z8F1680 MCU is available now.